Mali Uromastyx
Scientific name: Uromastyx dispar
Habitat: Sahara desert, arid areas with rocky slopes
Diet: leafy plants and seeds; juveniles eat insects
Life span: 20-25 years
Young: 8-20 eggs/clutch
Size: up to 41 cm (16.1 in)
The name uromastyx comes from Ancient Greek and means ‘tail’ (ourá) ‘whip’ (mastigo). When threatened, Mali uromastyx lash their strong, spiny tail from side to side to defend themselves.
When these lizards hatch, they are light tan in colour with some dark markings, which helps the juveniles hide from predators (camouflage). Adult Mali uromastyx are dark in colour, with bright yellow markings.
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Edmonton Valley Zoo
13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue)
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2R7
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